The Saints (8-3) blew open the game early in the second half when Mary McKissack buried a trio of three-pointers to spark a 13-2 run that gave her team a 45-30 advantage. FIU (9-4) battled to remain in the contest, but could not stop a hot-shooting night from Siena as the Saints finished 51 percent (27-of-53) from the field and 50 percent (7-of-14) from three-point range.

Free throws were key as Siena connected on 94 percent (17-of-18) of its opportunities from the charity stripe while FIU had difficulty getting to the foul line and managed to make only 50 percent (4-of-8) of its free throws.

FIU shot 51 percent (29-of-56) from the field and held a 31-25 rebounding advantage over Siena, but was plagued by 21 turnovers. It was the seventh time this season that FIU has turned the ball over 20 or more times in a game.

Dace Cinite led the Golden Panthers with 16 points but was limited to 24 minutes of action due to foul trouble. Mandy Shafer turned in 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks for FIU.

The Saints return to action on Monday, January 6 when they travel to New Rochelle, N.Y. to face conference rival Iona. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.